The silence stretched for a full minute. Confusion eyes looked at one another, while Judy's narrowed gaze locked on the assassin.
"Nice try," she said flatly, "but no one is going to believe such nonsense."
"What is going on? Why is he naming you?" Mona asked stepping away from her.
"Because he is trying to sow discord. It's what assassin's do when they fail. He is lying." Judy said eying the man.
"No I am not. You sent me." The assassin smirked.
"Silence!" Jerry thundered. "I won't listen to anymore lies against my sister! Take him to the dungeon. I will make him tell the truth there!"
"I am telling the truth Alpha! And I have proof."
Frank's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What proof?"
The assassin yanked one arm free and reached into the lining of his boot. He brought out a small object and tossed it onto the floor in front of Jerry.
It was a diamond wolf head brooch.
Mona gasped. "That is yours, Judy. You wear it at every council meeting."
Jerry recognized it too. It had been given to her by his mother.
Judy's hand instinctively went to her left shoulder and froze when she found it empty.
The assassin's smirk widened. "She gave it to me as motivation to make sure the job was well done."
"That a stupid lie!" Judy snapped, but her voice shook. "It was stolen from me. Probably by him."
"How? I have never been to the palace until now, and if I did steal it, then it confirms that I am telling the truth that you came to rouge territory to arrange for the prince's assassination."
"He has a point." Frank mummured, his gaze steady on her.
"No he dosen't! You can't believe this nonsense! He is lying! He stole it from me!"
"Or," Frank said slowly, "you gave it to him yourself."
"Enough!" Jerry cut in, finally recovering from the shock. He pointed at the assassin. "Take him to the dungeon. Everyone else back to their duties and double the security to the prince's room."
"Alpha,"Frank said gravely. "In light of this accusation, we will have to detain Gamma Judy."
"Are you insane! How dare you? I will have your tongue for suggesting such rubbish!" She fumed.
"Beta that won't be necessary-" The Alpha began, but Frank cut him off.
"It would Alpha." He said firmly. "The law, your law, is very clear about a case like this. The accused should be detained till an investigation has been completed. Nobody is above the law."
Jerry sighed softly. Frank was right. As a leader he couldn't afford to be partial. He refused to meet Judy's steady gaze.
"Gamma Judy you will be confined to your room until the investigation is over." He said and turned away.
"Jerry! You can't! I am innocent!" She yelled at his retreating back. She tried to follow but the guards blocked her.
"I hope for you sake it's true Gamma." Mona said softly and followed Jerry. Judy could hear the glee in her voice and it infuriated her.
The guards approched her. "Don't touch me you filth." She thundered.
"Gamma! Please be reasonable." Frank said firmly.
"I know you have something to do with this you back stabber! But I am no Sharon! I will make sure you pay for this!"
She walked to her room, followed by the guards.
"Nobody in or out of this room, except her personal maid." Frank ordered.
Then he walked to the dungeons.
Judy paced the room cursing and raving, smashing everything she could lay her hands on against the wall.
Fools! She had been an idiot not to have acted sooner. She knew this betrayal was coming but she'd hoped to strike first. Frank and his brainless daughter were clearly was behind this, the question was what was their next move? To kill her like they did Sharon? Never! She was a master of the game. No way would they outwit her.
She needed to talk to Jerry alone. She was sure she could persuade him to believe her. But how to get a message to him?
She lay awake all night,anxiously hoping Jerry will come to see her.
But he didn't by morning she was nearly loosing her mind with worry. Why hadn't he come? Was he convinced of her guilt and planning her execution?
Suddenly the door opened and Vika, one of her maids came in with breakfast.
"Gamma, are you alright? I heard the false rumor and I don't believe it." She said setting the tray before her.
"What is going on? Why hasn't the Alpha come? Have you heard anything about my fate?" Her voice was strained from fear and anxiety.
"The Alpha and his council are busy with reports of a vampire attack near the neighboring village. I haven't seen him all day."
"I need you to get a message to him."
"I don't know if I will see him. Can I give it to the Luna."
Judy shook will anger, restraining herself from slapping the her.
"Do not mention that vampires name! I want the message giving to the Alpha and no one else."
"Yes Gamma."
"Tell him that I need to speak to him. That I have information about Sharon, understand?"
"Yes Gamma. I will get it to him at once."
She left and Judy continued pacing, ignoring the food. Another maid brought lunch, which she also ignored.
By evening she was ready to eat silver, when Vika burst in panting breathlessly.
"Gamma you must leave this place quickly." She said.
"Why? What happened?"
"This evening I was on my way to deliver your message, then I overheard the Alpha telling his Luna that he is convinced of your guilt. The Luna wants you executed tonight. They will burn you just like the other Luna. You have to leave."
"No! Jerry would never allow such a thing."
"But straw is being taken to the town square to build your pyre. Look out the window."
Judy stood transfixed. Was this the Moon Goddess giving her, her karma? What should she do? Run and be seen as guilty? Or stay and probably burn?
You can't prove your innocence if you are dead, so run! Some day, you will make Frank and Mona pay.
"How do I get past the guards?" She asked Vika frantically.
"They stepped away to have dinner, and the pantry is unlocked and unguarded, so is the north gate. You can leave through there."
She led her out of the room and down the dimly lit corridor to the pantry.
"Thank you Vika. I will be back, and I will remember this kindness."
She shifted into her wolf and bounded into the night. Vika heard a noise behind her and turned. Mona stood smirking at her.
"Well done Vika. You are quite an actress." She praised.
"Thank you Luna. You promise not to hurt my mother?" She asked fearfully.
"As long as what happened remains with you, so will your mother. Where are her guards?"
"I drugged them like you told me and put them in the next room."
" Slit their throats and drag them to Judy's room." Mona said calmly.
"What! I can't!" Vika exclaimed in distress.
"Then I will slit your mother's throat! Your choice." She turned and walked out, leaving Vika trembling.